Eyelash Application System

ABSTRACT

The eyelash application system having a casing for holding a plurality of eyelashes. Each of the locations for receiving cartridges in the casing having a cross or plus shaped recess for receiving a corresponding cross or plus shaped extrusion on one side of an eyelash cartridge for securing the cartridge to the casing. Each cartridge is further provided with a ridge for securing eyelashes to the cartridge. The lashes are not merely sitting on the cartridge, the lashes are retained within the walls of the ridge which secures the lashes in place and does not allow the lashes to slide, fall, or blow off the top flat surface of the cartridge. The ridge and cartridge mating structures serve to securely retain and locate the eyelash cartridge within the casing provider for more securement during transportation and resulting in less damage to the eyelashes.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to systems and methods forpersonal care. More specifically, the present invention relates tosystems and methods for personal care, more partially for handling,storing, and applying false eyelashes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

People around the world use products to enhance their appearance. Allforms of cosmetics are used in the fashion, medical, and entertainmentindustries. False eyelashes and eyelash extensions are a commonly usedtechnique for enhancing or augmenting the appearance of the eye.

Current methods for applying, storing, and handling false eyelashespresent many problems that range from deleterious health consequences todifficulty in handling requiring a high degree of skill. Healthconsequences can result from the false eyelashes coming into contactwith bacteria or other contagion eventually infecting the eye. This canhappen when tools are improperly used or sanitized. This can also happenwhen an adhesive is applied in an unsanitary way.

Difficulty in applying false eyelashes can result from the awkward useof a delicate tweezer or even from attempting to apply the false eyelashwith the naked finger tips. It is common for the false eyelash to beapplied further from the base of the real eyelash than desirable, orwith too much glue or adhesive.

Solutions have been long sought but prior developments have not taughtor suggested any solutions that provide a comprehensive answer to thesedifficulties, and solutions to these problems have long eluded thoseskilled in the art. Thus there remains a considerable need for devicesand methods that allow the application of false eyelashes in an easyintuitive way with minimal expertise or experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The eyelash application system of the present invention teaches animproved housing system comprised of a casing with one or more locationsfor receiving cartridges. Each of the receiving cartridges in the casingis further defined by a cross or plus shaped recess for receiving acorresponding cross or plus shaped extrusion on one side of an eyelashcartridge for securing the cartridge to the casing. Additionally, eachcartridge is further provided with a ridge for securing eyelashes to thecartridge.

The cartridge mating structures is formed as a cartridge recess asillustrated, protrusions, or a combination thereof. In the presentinvention and figures, the cartridge mating surface is a cartridgerecess that is configured to mirror the pronged protrusion of theapplicator/tweezer and to be joined or fitted to the applicator/tweezermating structures, one of the prongs. That is when one of theapplicator/tweezer mating structures is a protrusion or prong thatnarrows toward the proximal end, the corresponding cartridge matingstructures will be a cartridge recess that also narrows toward theproximal end 18 of the applicator/tweezer.

The applicator mating structures or prongs are configured to interlockwith the cartridge mating structures or recesses where both thecartridge mating structures and the applicator mating structures havesurfaces that are in continuous direct contact. It is contemplated thatthe applicator mating structures can deform into or around the cartridgemating structures and provide a click when the applicator matingstructures or prong is fully engaged with the cartridge matingstructures or recesses.

It has been discovered that utilizing the applicator/tweezer matingstructures interlocking with the eyelash cartridge mating structures,the eyelash strip is locked in to an exacting position with regard tothe applicator/tweezer and enables users to more quickly and intuitivelyapply the eyelash strip.

The cartridge is also depicted as having cartridge mating structuresdefined as a cross/plus shaped extrusion. In the present invention andfigures, the cross/plus shaped extrusion is configured to mirror thecross/plus shaped recess located in each cartridge location of thecasing, and to be joined or fitted to cross/plus shaped recess in acasing cartridge location.

In the present invention, not only has an improvement been made in howthe cartridges are attached to the casing, but an improvement has beenmade in how the eyelashes attach to the cartridge. In the presentinvention, the lashes are not merely sitting on the cartridge orattached to the cartridge with adhesive alone, the lashes are retainedwithin the walls of the ridge which secures the lashes in place and doesnot allow the lashes to slide, fall, or blow off the top flat surface ofthe cartridge.

The ridge and cartridge mating structures serve to securely retain andlocate the eyelash cartridge within the casing provider for moresecurement during transportation and resulting in less damage to theeyelashes, which are prone to fall of the cartridges in previous priorart inventions or be jostled around resulting in bent or damages lashes,or cartridges that have rotated out of positon and can not be easilysecured by a tweezers for use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a partof the specification, illustrate the present invention and, togetherwith the description, further explain the principles of the inventionand to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the housing casing of the eyelashapplication system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is as close up perspective view of the housing casing of theeyelash application system of the present invention illustrating anempty casing cartridge location and a casing cartridge location filledwith a cartridge.

FIG. 3 is a top plane view of the housing component of the eyelashapplication system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front side plane view of the housing casing of the eyelashapplication system of the present invention illustrating cartridges aspresent for removal by a tweezers.

FIG. 5 is a side plane view of the housing casing of the eyelashapplication system of the present invention.

FIGS. 6-7 are side plane views of the housing casing of the eyelashapplication system of the present invention.

FIGS. 8-9 are top and side plane views of the tweezer taught by thepresent invention.

FIGS. 10-11 are front and back perspective views of the tweezer taughtby the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the cartridge of the present inventionillustrating the ridge and cross/plus sign extrusion.

FIG. 13 is a bottom planar view of the cartridge of the presentinvention illustrating the cross/plus sign extrusion.

FIG. 14 is a side-bottom perspective view of the cartridge of thepresent invention illustrating the ridge and cross/plus sign extrusion.

FIG. 15 is a front-bottom perspective view of the cartridge of thepresent invention illustrating the cartridge recess and cross/plus signextrusion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the invention of exemplaryembodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings (where like numbers represent like elements), which form a parthereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplaryembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodimentsare described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention, but other embodiments may be utilized andlogical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. The followingdetailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense,and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appendedclaims.

In the following description, specific details are set forth to providea thorough understanding of the invention. However, it is understoodthat the invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known structures and techniques known to one ofordinary skill in the art have not been shown in detail in order not toobscure the invention. Referring to the figure, it is possible to seethe various major elements constituting the apparatus of the presentinvention.

The eyelash application system is described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to make and use the eyelash applicationsystem and provide numerous specific details to give a thoroughunderstanding of the eyelash application system; however, it will beapparent that the eyelash application system may be practiced withoutthese specific details.

In order to avoid obscuring the eyelash application system, somewell-known system configurations are not disclosed in detail. Likewise,the drawings showing embodiments of the system are semi-diagrammatic andnot to scale and, particularly, some of the dimensions are for theclarity of presentation and are shown greatly exaggerated in the drawingfigures. Generally, the eyelash application system is operated in anyorientation.

For expository purposes, the term “horizontal” as used herein is definedas a plane parallel to the bottom plane or bottom surface of thecartridge, regardless of its orientation. The term “vertical” refers toa direction perpendicular to the horizontal as just defined. Terms, suchas “above”, “below”, “bottom”, “top”, “side”, “higher”, “lower”,“upper”, “over”, and “under”, are defined with respect to the horizontalplane. The term “system” means an apparatus or a method based on thecontext in which it is used.

Now referring to FIGS. 1-15, one embodiment of the eyelash applicationsystem is shown. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the housing system 1 ofthe eyelash application system of the present invention. The housingsystem 1 is comprised of a casing 3 with one or more locations forreceiving cartridges 4. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the fourlocations for receiving cartridges 4 in the casing 3 is further definedby a cross or plus shaped recess 7 for receiving a corresponding crossor plus shaped extrusion 6 on one side of an eyelash cartridge 4.

FIG. 2 is as close up perspective view of the housing casing of theeyelash application system of the present invention illustrating anempty casing cartridge location and a casing cartridge location filledwith a cartridge. In this representation, the location for receivingcartridges 4 is clearly defined as a box having an open top side, asolid bottom side having a cross or plus shaped recess 7 for receiving acorresponding cross or plus shaped extrusion 6 on one side of an eyelashcartridge 4, two side walls and a back wall, and a front, partial wall,having a height less than that of the other three walls.

FIG. 3 is a top plane view of the housing component of the eyelashapplication system of the present invention illustrating four locationsfor receiving cartridges 4, each location filled by a cartridge 4holding an eyelash 2. FIG. 4 is a front side plane view of the housingcasing 3 of the eyelash application system of the present inventionillustrating cartridges 4 as present for removal by a tweezers 8, wherea cartridge recess 9 provides a location for receiving a tweezercartridge extrusion 10 for removing the cartridges 4 secured to thecasing 3 by the corresponding cross or plus shaped extrusions 6 andcross or plus shaped extrusion recesses 7.

FIG. 5 is a side plane view of the housing casing 3 of the eyelashapplication system of the present invention. FIGS. 6-7 are side planeviews of the housing casing 3 of the eyelash application system of thepresent invention. It would be recognized by a person of ordinary skillin the art that each casing 3 could hold any number of eyelashcartridges 4, and that the number and size of the eyelash cartridges 4will vary based on the size of the eyelashes 2 place and retained by theeyelash cartridges 4. The drawings are illustrative only for the mostcommon sizes and combinations of lashes 2, but the size and number ofcartridges 4 intended to vary in each casing 3.

FIGS. 8-9 are top and side plane views of the tweezer taught by thepresent invention. FIGS. 10-11 are front and back perspective views ofthe tweezer taught by the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-11, an applicator/tweezer device 8 is shown inmore detail. The applicator/tweezer 8 is shown having a rounded proximalend 14 and a two-pronged distal end 15. The proximal end 14 is the endthat is closer to a user's wrist during operation while the distal end15 is the end that is closer to a user's eye during operation. Theproximal end 14 is formed with a smaller cross-section than the distalend 15 for greater mobility in the hand so that the distal end 15 isheld in a number of different positions within the hand.

The proximal end 14 is defined by the rounded portion and is connectedto the distal end 15 by a rigid member 16. This rigid member 16 providesa solid, no-slip location for positioning the fingers.

It has been discovered that providing the distal end 15 having a largewidth and surface to handle reduces the skill requirement for use. Thelarge width and surface allows the applicator/tweezer 8 to be used byusers with a lesser dexterity and allows users to fix multiple fingersalong with the thumb on the applicator/tweezer 8 during use and utilizethe larger muscles of the arm and wrist allowing for greatercontrollability and stability which can result in safer and more preciseoperation.

In use, a user would take the applicator/tweezer 8 and secure both ofthe prongs located on the distal end 15 and engage the lashes with thecartridge recess 9 of each eyelash cartridge 4 as shown in the figures.Once the applicator/tweezer 8 has one or two eyelash cartridges 4 witheyelashes 2 attached, a user would then proceed to press the eyelash onat the desired location. The eyelash 2 would then remain and be retainedto the face by glue, and the used eyelash cartridge 4 is discarded or anew eyelash 2 applied for later use.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, each eyelash cartridge 4 is shown loadedwith an eyelash strip 2. The cartridge 4 includes an open interiorsection or cartridge recess 9 so that a user may grasp the eyelashcartridge 4 with ease by inserting one of the prongs of theapplicator/tweezer 8 into the open interior section or cartridge recess9 of the eyelash cartridge 4.

The cartridge 4 provides a ridge 5 for the eyelash 2 to be mounted,retained, and stored. The ridge 5 is curved with a smaller diameter thanthe eyelash 2 allowing the eyelash 2 to overhang the ridge.

The eyelash 2 includes lashes, a band, and an adhesive. The lashes aremounted to the band and extend out away from the band. The lashes canfan out radially and be curved upward from a plane defined by the band.

The band is in direct contact with the adhesive. The adhesive covers theentire band and extend beyond the ends of the band. It has beendiscovered that it is advantageous to not require a user to manuallyapply the adhesive because it is easy for a user to apply more thanrequired or to allow the adhesive to contact an unsanitary surface.Providing the adhesive already applied therefore increases uniformity ofthe adhesive as well as ensuring a non-infectious adhesive is used.

The eyelash strip 2 is provided on the eyelash cartridge 4 as a onequarter, two thirds, or a full eyelash strip 2. In some embodiments, itis contemplated that the eyelash 2 is formed as a quarter or two thirdsstrip negating the need for a user to trim the eyelash 2.

FIGS. 12-14 provide multiple views of the cartridge 4 of the presentinvention illustrating the ridge and cross/plus sign extrusion 6. Thecartridge 4 is depicted as having cartridge mating structures defined asa cartridge recess 9. The cartridge mating structures is formed as acartridge recess 9 as illustrated, protrusions, or a combinationthereof. In the present invention and figures, the cartridge matingsurface is a cartridge recess 9 that is configured to mirror the prongedprotrusion 10 of the applicator/tweezer 8 and to be joined or fitted tothe applicator/tweezer mating structures, one of the prongs. That iswhen one of the applicator/tweezer mating structures is a protrusion orprong that narrows toward the proximal end 14, the correspondingcartridge mating structures will be a cartridge recess 9 that alsonarrows toward the proximal end 18 of the applicator/tweezer 1.

It is contemplated that the cartridge mating structures as well as theapplicator mating structures can taper toward or away from the proximalend 14. It is further contemplated that the cartridge mating structuresas well as the applicator/tweezer mating structures can have no tapertoward or away from the proximal end.

The applicator mating structures or prongs are configured to interlockwith the cartridge mating structures or recesses where both thecartridge mating structures and the applicator mating structures havesurfaces that are in continuous direct contact. It is contemplated thatthe applicator mating structures can deform into or around the cartridgemating structures and provide a click when the applicator matingstructures or prong is fully engaged with the cartridge matingstructures or recesses.

It has been discovered that utilizing the applicator/tweezer matingstructures interlocking with the eyelash cartridge mating structures,the eyelash strip 2 is locked in to an exacting position with regard tothe applicator/tweezer and enables users to more quickly and intuitivelyapply the eyelash strip 2.

On FIGS. 12-15, the cartridge 4 is also depicted as having cartridgemating structures defined as a cross/plus shaped extrusion 6. In thepresent invention and figures, the cross/plus shaped extrusion 6 isconfigured to mirror the cross/plus shaped recess 7 located in eachcartridge location of the casing 3, and to be joined or fitted tocross/plus shaped recess 7 in a casing cartridge location.

In the present invention, not only has an improvement been made in howthe cartridges 4 attached to the casing, but an improvement has beenmade in how the eyelashes 2 attach to the cartridge. Finally, on FIGS.1-3, 12, and 14, a ridge 5 is shown on the cartridge 4 for securing aneyelash 2 in place. In the present invention, the lashes 2 are notmerely sitting on the cartridge 4 or attached to the cartridge withadhesive alone, the lashes are retained within the walls of the ridge 5which secures the lashes in place and does not allow the lashes toslide, fall, or blow off the top flat surface of the cartridge 4.

The ridge 5 and cartridge mating structures serve to securely retain andlocate the eyelash cartridge 4 within the casing provider for moresecurement during transportation and resulting in less damage to theeyelashes 2, which are prone to fall of the cartridges in previous priorart inventions or be jostled around resulting in bent or damages lashes,or cartridges that have rotated out of positon and can not be easilysecured by a tweezers 8 for use.

During application, the eyelash strip 2 has the adhesive in directcontact with a base of the user's eyelid. The adhesive directly couplesthe base with the band holding the lashes.

Two ways of applying the eyelash strip 2 are possible including onemethod applying the eyelash strip 2 above the eyelash of the user. Theother method includes applying the eyelash strip 2 below the eyelash ofthe user. When the eyelash strip 2 is attached below the eyelash of theuser, the band and the adhesive are not visible.

Thus, it is appreciated that the optimum dimensional relationships forthe parts of the invention, to include variation in size, materials,shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, aredeemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art,and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawingsand described in the above description are intended to be encompassed bythe present invention.

Furthermore, other areas of art may benefit from this method andadjustments to the design are anticipated. Thus, the scope of theinvention should be determined by the appended claims and their legalequivalents, rather than by the examples given.

1. An eyelash application system comprising: a casing with one or morecartridge locations for receiving cartridges; each casing having ashaped recess for receiving a corresponding shaped extrusion; one ormore cartridges; each cartridge having a shaped extrusion for insertioninto a corresponding shaped extrusion; at least one cartridge securedwithin a cartridge location; and the extrusion of the cartridge and therecess of the cartridge location engaging to securely retain thecartridge in the cartridge location and to the casing
 2. The eyelashapplication system of claim 1, wherein the casing has four locations forreceiving cartridges.
 3. The eyelash application system of claim 1,wherein the extrusion on the cartridge is cross or plus shaped; and therecess on the casing is cross or plus shaped.
 4. The eyelash applicationsystem of claim 1, wherein the cartridge location comprises, a boxshaped space having an open top side; a solid bottom side having arecess for receiving a corresponding shaped extrusion on one side of aneyelash cartridge, two side walls; a back wall; and a front, partialwall, having a height less than that of the other three walls.
 5. Theeyelash application system of claim 5, wherein the extrusion on thecartridge is cross or plus shaped; and the recess on the casing is crossor plus shaped.
 6. The eyelash application system of claim 1, whereinthe cartridge is further comprised of a cartridge recess providing alocation for receiving a corresponding extrusion for removing thecartridges secured to the casing in the cartridge location by thecorresponding shaped extrusion and shaped extrusion recess.
 7. Theeyelash application system of claim 6, further comprising in combinationan applicator/tweezer device the applicator/tweezer having a roundedproximal end; a two-pronged distal end; and a rigid member; the proximalend is defined by the rounded portion and is connected to the distal endby the rigid member.
 8. The eyelash application system of claim 7,wherein the proximal end is formed with a smaller cross-section than thedistal end.
 9. The eyelash application system of claim 7, wherein eacheyelash cartridge is loaded with an eyelash strip; the cartridgeincludes an open interior section or cartridge recess so that a user maygrasp the eyelash cartridge by inserting one of the prongs of theapplicator/tweezer into the open interior section or cartridge recess ofthe eyelash cartridge.
 10. The eyelash application system of claim 9,wherein both of the prongs located on the distal end of theapplicator/tweezer engage the lashes with the cartridge recess of eacheyelash cartridge; once the applicator/tweezer has one or two eyelashcartridges with eyelashes attached, a user would then proceed to pressthe eyelash on at the desired location; and the eyelash would thenremain and be retained to the face by glue, and the used eyelashcartridge is discarded or a new eyelash applied for later use.
 11. Theeyelash application system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is furthercomprised of a ridge for the eyelash to be mounted, retained, andstored.
 12. The eyelash application system of claim 11, wherein theridge is curved with a smaller diameter than the eyelash allowing theeyelash to overhang the ridge.
 13. The eyelash application system ofclaim 12, wherein the eyelash includes lashes, a band, and an adhesive;the lashes are mounted to the band and extend out away from the band;the lashes can fan out radially and be curved upward from a planedefined by the band; the band is in direct contact with the adhesive;and the adhesive covers the entire band and extend beyond the ends ofthe band.
 14. The eyelash application system of claim 12, wherein theeyelash strip is provided on the eyelash cartridge as a one quarter, twothirds, or a full eyelash strip.
 15. The eyelash application system ofclaim 7, wherein the cartridge has a cartridge mating structure definedas a cartridge recess; the cartridge mating surface is a cartridgerecess that is configured to mirror the pronged protrusion of theapplicator/tweezer and to be joined or fitted to the applicator/tweezermating structures, one of the prongs; the applicator/tweezer matingstructures is a protrusion or prong that narrows toward the proximalend, the corresponding cartridge mating structures will be a cartridgerecess that also narrows toward the proximal end of theapplicator/tweezer.
 16. The eyelash application system of claim 15,wherein the cartridge mating structures as well as the applicator matingstructures either taper toward or away from the proximal end; or have notaper toward or away from the proximal end.